Big win for Morpeth

Morpeth RFC 71 Carlisle 6Immediately prior to both home games commencing, (the Colts and the First Team), a minutes silence was observed in respect of two members of the rugby fraternity who passed away this week – rugby legend and MND Champion, Doddie Weir and the tragic death of Ryan Johnson, a current Penrith player, who died whilst at training. From everyone at Morpeth RFC our thoughts and prayers go to the families of both men, writes Richard Green.

Back to the game - Morpeth again recorded another emphatic win against a Carlisle side who always tried hard but were ultimately outclassed.

It was Carlisle who initially exerted early pressure and were rewarded when fly half Israel knocked over a relatively simple penalty on three minutes. 0-3.

However, that score seemed to kick start the home side. Full back Burgess missed a penalty chance, before on ten minutes, an attacking line out saw a significant Dynan break, before Burgess made amends with a classy dummy to put winger Ward over in the corner. 5-3.

The lead was increased some three minutes later. A scrum midfield saw Dynan and Elliott combine, setting Burgess free to race over. A successful conversion made the score 12-3.

Left wing James Turner was next to score after Ward made a crucial break. Again Burgess converted. 19-3.

To their credit, and it was a feature of the match, Carlisle came back strongly and were the next to score when Israel again converted a penalty for 19-6.

The game was basically put to bed with two home scores before halftime when Donnelly crashed over after a super Ward run, which Burgess converted 26-6.

Then Kieran Smith finished off wide out, Burgess again converting for 33-6 at the break.

The second half followed the same pattern with the home side dominant as Carlisle’s defence was breached at regular intervals. On 50 minutes, Turner helped himself to a brace after a Dynan break. Burgess converted. 40-6.

Then Dynan with a solo effort from 50m, picking up from a scrum and he touched down under the sticks for another Burgess conversion and 47-6.

The scores kept coming; Ward again, Grieve, and Ben Hornby all touched down before referee Craig Wrightson blew for full time.